Historical Library

Historical Library

The Friends Historical Library Dublin – officially the Historical Library of Ireland Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends – is situated in Quaker House. It contains the manuscript and printed archives of Quakers in Ireland since their establishment here in the 17th century. The library and archives are open to the public every Thursday, except Christmas Day, from 11.0 am to 1.0 pm. Press here for travel advice.

Manuscripts and Records

The most important manuscripts are the Minutes of the various Quaker meetings and committees. Many of these have been microfilmed and scanned to computer files, others have been digitally photographed. In addition, the collection contains comprehensive records of births, marriages and deaths. They are not yet available on the Web.

Books, pamphlets and personal writings

The collection of printed books contains works from the 17th century up to the present, together with many unpublished dissertations. The Library also holds a large collection of printed pamphlets, manuscript letters, essays and photographs.

Database

The searchable ‘Irish Quaker Historical Database’ contains family records together with details of writings, published or manuscript by or about individual Quakers.

Outreach

Librarian and archivist duties are seen to by a team of volunteers who engage in cataloguing, assisting visiting readers and replying to queries by telephone or e-mail.